Our Story

Our business has its roots way back in the 19th century with a company called Kenyon Produce – hence ‘KP’. From small beginnings trading in various foods, the company turned its hand to crisps in the 1940s.

Building on that heritage, KP Snacks today is now the UK’s second largest snack manufacturer, with six manufacturing sites around the country and our headquarters in Slough, Berkshire.

We’re also one of the UK’s most dynamic, award-winning food businesses.

1853

Kenyon Produce was started by Charles Kenyon, who served an apprenticeship to a confectioner before starting his own business in Rotherham, primarily selling jam.

1891

Charles Kenyon merged his interests with that of another jam manufacturer, Matthew Craven of Hull. The new,enlarged firm became Kenyon, Son & Craven, which also made pickles, sauces and confectionery.

1948

Biscuit maker, Meredith & Drew, becomes one of the first UK companies to start making potato crisps, with a new factory in Ashby

1948

In the same year, Kenyon, Son & Craven (KP) was acquired by Simon Heller of Leeds. The firm began to produce roasted and salted hazelnuts in Rotherham.

1953

KP launched its first salted peanuts and became the first company to achieve national distribution for this popular new product. It also became famous for peanut butter!

1967

Meredith & Drew acquired by United Biscuits

1968

United Biscuits acquires KP

1973

Launch of Hula Hoops

1982

KP launches the very first Dry Roasted Peanuts

1985

Launch of McCoy’s crisps

1990

POM-BEAR introduced to the UK market for the first time

1992

Success of POM-BEAR leads to a new UK factory in Corby

1993

Derwent Valley Foods acquired by UB

2007

Union Snack in Tanfield joins Intersnack, bringing the first US pretzels to the UK